DE102015214141A1 - Respiratory therapy device - Google Patents

Abstract

A respiratory therapy device (10) comprises a respiratory air channel (24) with a narrowing (23) of variable passage cross-section, a pressure sensor (28) which is designed and arranged to detect the value of a pressure prevailing in the respiratory air channel (24), an adjusting device ( 32) adapted and arranged to change the passage area of the constriction (23), a control device (46) having a signal input for supplying the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor (28) and a signal output for outputting a control signal to the actuator (32), wherein a portion of the breathing air channel (24) bounding wall of an elastic piece of hose (22) is formed, and wherein the adjusting device (32) from the outside to the elastic hose piece (22) acts to change the passage cross-section.

Description

The invention relates to a respiratory therapy device.

Respiratory therapy devices are used by patients with chronic lung diseases to achieve at least one of the following goals: to rid the lungs of bronchial secretions, counteract bronchial collapse, strengthen the respiratory tract, reduce dyspnea, and better ventilate the respiratory tract into the lung periphery to reach. Mucoviscidosis, a recessive hereditary metabolic disease, in which the body's secretions, including the mucus lining the lungs (Latin: mucus), are released by the glands producing them in a considerably more viscous form than in healthy people, is an example of chronic lung disease ,

However, the respiratory therapy device according to the invention can also be used in other lung diseases, for example in chronic bronchitis, asthma, other obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD etc.), bronchiectasis or in problems with constrictions in the lung (eg after lung transplantation due to polyp formation, adhesions or constricted Anastomoses or lung cancer). With a nose adapter, it can also be used in ventilation disorders of the sinuses and the middle ear.

In the vast majority of respiratory therapy devices, the patient breathes in or out against resistance. For example, the respiratory therapy devices according to the PEP principle (PEP = positive expiratory pressure) work, the pressure also an oscillating component can be superimposed, such as the OPEP principle (OPEP = oscillating PEP).

This oscillating component produces intrathoracic percussion that serves to better mobilize the secretion in the lung. More specifically, the goal is to liquefy and dissolve the secretion through the pressure fluctuations and vibrations caused by the percussion so that it can be more easily transported or coughed off the airways by the airflow.

For the sake of simplification only, the properties of the devices operating according to these principles will be explained below mainly using the example of a PEP-based breathing therapy device:
Conventional operating according to the PEP principle respiratory therapy devices usually have a fixed or, optionally in several steps, manually adjustable constriction in the flow channel for the breathing air. This constriction causes a flow resistance against which the patient exhales, which in turn causes an increased pressure in the lungs of the patient. This pressure expands and stabilizes the patient's bronchial system so that the mucus can be transported from the lungs by the flow of breathing air.

In practice, however, this usually results in the problem that the patient does not manage to keep the respiratory flow constant from the beginning to the end of the exhalation. Often the flow is much higher at the beginning of the exhalation than at the end of the exhalation. This makes it difficult to choose the fixed constriction: If you choose too large an opening, the patient may generate a high flow of respiratory air at the beginning of the exhalation, but at the end of the exhalation with less respiratory flow no sufficient pressure will build up in the lungs To keep bronchi open as required for a deep exhalation. If, on the other hand, the opening is too small, the pressure at the end of the exhalation is still high enough to keep the bronchi open and allow a deep exhalation, but at the beginning of the exhalation it is not possible to generate sufficient respiratory flow to clear the secretion to transport.

Another problem that always arises in practice is hygiene. It goes without saying that the respiratory therapy device must be cleaned after each therapy measure in order to prevent germs in it, which could endanger the patient's health, in cystic fibrosis, for example, germs such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Burkholderia cepacia and others ,

In contrast, it is an object of the present invention to provide a respiratory therapy device which, on the one hand, makes it possible to generate a sufficient respiratory flow with respect to the transport of the secretion on the other hand, but also ensures that the bronchi are kept open towards the end of the exhalation, and at the same time with good cleanability.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a respiratory therapy device comprising a respiratory air channel with a narrowing with variable passage cross section, a pressure sensor which is designed and arranged to detect the value of a pressure prevailing in the respiratory air channel, an adjusting device which is designed and arranged to the passage cross section the constriction, a control device having a signal input for supplying the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor and a signal output for outputting a control signal to the adjusting device, wherein a portion of the Breathing-air duct-bounding wall is formed by an elastic piece of hose, and wherein the adjusting device acts from the outside on the elastic piece of hose in order to change the passage cross-section.

The construction of the respiratory therapy device according to the invention is based on the knowledge that the pressure prevailing in the respiratory air channel is in a reproducible relationship to the pressure prevailing in the bronchi.

Therefore, by means of the pressure sensor, the control device and the adjusting device, a control loop can be formed, which enables the respiratory therapy device according to the invention by deliberately changing the passage cross-section of the constriction of the breathing air channel as a function of the pressure detected by the pressure sensor during the exhalation or inhalation in the Bronchi to produce a desired pressure gradient. The construction of the respiratory therapy device according to the invention is also based on the knowledge that it does not depend on the shape of the passage cross-section of the constriction, but only on the flow resistance, which opposes the constriction of the patient's breathing. This uses the respiratory therapy device according to the invention to form the narrowing of variable passage cross-section in that a portion of the wall surrounding the respiratory air channel is formed by an elastic piece of hose, which acts on the adjusting device from the outside. Thus, only the easy-to-clean inner surface of the elastic tube piece always comes into contact with the respiratory air, but not the adjusting device itself, which makes cleaning the respiratory therapy device according to the invention as a whole easier.

It should be noted that the word "elastic" in the context of the present invention does not necessarily include the hose piece having resilient resiliency properties, so that when the actuator no longer exerts any external force on it, the hose piece automatically returns to an initial state with a predetermined shape of the passage cross-section. Rather, it is sufficient if the hose piece has so much dimensional stability that it does not already collapse alone under its own weight, d. H. without the external action of the actuator, and the passage cross-section narrows. On the other hand, if the hose piece has a resilient restoring force, it may be useful to additionally provide the adjusting device with spring elements which compensate at least some of the forces resulting from the forcing of the resilient hose and from the (accumulation) pressure in the respiratory air channel and thus reduce the work for the actuating mechanism.

To facilitate the cleaning of the respiratory therapy device according to the invention, it is proposed that the respiratory air channel is formed in a respiratory air channel arrangement, which is formed separately from the rest of the respiratory therapy device, but is operatively connected to it.

This can be realized, for example, in that the respiratory air duct arrangement comprises an attachment in which a section of the respiratory air channel is formed and which is operatively connected to a base unit of the respiratory therapy device. On the attachment, the elastic piece of hose can be attached. If desired, the breathing air duct assembly may further comprise a mouthpiece and / or a nose adapter which may be attached to this attachment. For purifying the respiratory therapy device, the respiratory air channel arrangement can be separated from the rest of the respiratory therapy device and preferably also disassembled into its component. The attachment may for example be an insert which can be inserted into an associated receiving recess of the base unit. The respiratory therapy device thus comprises only a few components which come into direct contact with the respiratory air. These are also inexpensive to produce and easy to clean.

In a development of the invention, it can be provided that a branch line emanates from the respiratory air channel, in which the pressure sensor is arranged. Advantageously, a first section of the branch line can be formed by an opening, originating from the respiratory air channel, of a wall of the attachment which surrounds the respiratory air channel. Additionally or alternatively, a further section of the branch line may be formed by forming in an outer surface of the circumferential wall of a section of the breathing air channel a circumferential groove which is connected to the breathing air channel via a radial passage and forms a section of the branch line. This further section has the advantage of increasing the length of the branch line and thus reducing the risk of contamination of the pressure sensor with germs. Advantageously, the further portion may be formed in the outer peripheral wall of the attachment. For example, the circumferential groove may be formed by an annular groove, so that after the first section formed by the radial passage, the branch line divides into two, preferably each extending over 180 °, branches, which later reunite. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the circumferential groove is a groove which extends over less than 360 °, so that their ends are separated by a barrier. Thereby, the length of the branch line can be further increased. Finally, it is even conceivable according to a further alternative, in the outer peripheral wall of the attachment to provide a helical groove extending over more than 360 °.

Since the further section of the branch line is formed by the circumferential groove in cooperation with a wall of the base unit of the respiratory therapy device opposite it, it is also advantageous if in each case a seal between the breathing air arrangement and the base unit is provided in front of and behind the circumferential groove in the longitudinal direction of the breathing air channel.

A further section of the branch line, which is formed in the base unit of the respiratory therapy device, may adjoin the first section of the branch line or, if present, the further section of the branch line. This still further section may advantageously be associated with the pressure sensor.

If the pressure sensor is arranged on the motherboard, on which the control device is also arranged, then it is advantageous if the still further section of the branch line is at least partially formed by a piece of hose inserted into a recess formed in the base unit and from there to the pressure sensor is guided. On the other hand, if the pressure sensor is connected to the control device via a cable, the still further section only has to extend into the base unit for a short distance. Yes, it is even conceivable to arrange the pressure sensor in the base unit in such a way that it directly adjoins the end of the first section or the further section, so that the still further section can be dispensed with.

In order to be able to reliably connect the first section of the branch line to the still further section, it is advantageous regardless of the presence of the further section if the ancillary part on the one hand and the base unit of the respiratory therapy device on the other hand are associated with co-operating orientation aids. These orientation auxiliary elements may be formed, for example, by a projection arranged on the attachment part or of the base unit and a recess arranged on the respective other part, base unit or attachment part.

To increase hygiene, it is proposed in a further development of the invention that a filter is provided in the respiratory air duct and / or in the branch line. Such filters have the task, possibly in the respiratory air of the patient existing germs (bacteria, viruses, molds and the like pathogens) to hold back and possibly harmless, and retain moisture that precipitate in the system and thus create the basis for germination or mold fungus formation could.

If the filter is arranged in the respiratory air channel, then it is advantageous if the resistance which it has opposite the respiration is smaller than the resistance caused by the constriction variable passage cross-section. In this way it can be ensured that the filter does not hinder the function of the respiratory therapy device according to the invention. In terms of hygiene, it is advantageous if the filter is arranged in a section of the breathing air channel facing the patient with respect to the point at which the branch line branches off from the respiratory air channel. In this way, the risk that unwanted germs get into the branch line and possibly even to the pressure sensor, reduced, if not completely excluded.

If the filter is arranged in the branch line, it is advantageous for reasons of hygiene if it is arranged as close as possible to the point at which the branch line branches off from the respiratory air channel. Also, this can reduce the risk that unwanted germs get into the branch line, if not completely excluded.

Regardless of where the filter is located accurately, any effects on the detection of the pressure by the pressure sensor may be determined by simple calibration measurements and stored as a map in a memory of the controller.

To support the correct breathing can be provided in a further development of the invention that a check valve is provided in the breathing air duct. By means of this check valve can also be prevented that the patient inhales through the respiratory therapy device and thus infected with germs, which may still be present in the respiratory therapy device.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the adjusting device comprises a non-periodically operating adjusting arrangement and, if desired, additionally a periodically operating adjusting arrangement.

A non-periodically operating positioning arrangement suffices, for example, if no oscillating pressure component needs to be generated with the respiratory therapy device according to the invention, for example if only the PEP principle is to be realized. In this case, in a basic embodiment, the respiratory therapy device only needs to compensate for the changes in the flow of the respiratory air by changing the passage cross-section of the constriction in such a way that a substantially constant pressure curve results. For this purpose, a relatively slow response to changes in the pressure detected by the pressure sensor is sufficient.

In an improved embodiment, the respiratory therapy device according to the invention may further be designed to respond to coughing or other reactions of the patient to the respiratory therapy and to compensate for pressure changes produced thereby. This requires a quick response to changes in the pressure detected by the pressure sensor. Thus, potentially harmful pressure spikes that may arise during therapy due to misuse may be avoided and thus the patient may be protected from injury.

Finally, it is also conceivable that the non-periodically operating adjusting arrangement also takes over the changes in the passage cross-section of the constriction required for the representation of the oscillating component of the pressure, which are required, for example, for realizing the OPEP principle. Since the frequency of this oscillating pressure component should be of the order of the resonance frequency of the thorax, which in turn is between about 12 Hz and 30 Hz, a non-periodic actuator assembly is desired for this purpose, which changes the passage cross-section of the constriction with a frequency on the order of can represent about 1 kHz. For this example, linear actuators, in particular linear motors can be used.

By means of such a fast-acting adjusting device, the pressure level, d. H. the pressure value averaged over an oscillation period, or / and the frequency of the oscillation and / or the amplitude of the oscillation and / or a maximum permissible pressure value and / or a minimum permissible pressure value, in particular independently of the flow of the respiratory air, are selected.

With such a fast-acting adjusting device, it is also possible to replicate predetermined pressure profiles. This is particularly advantageous for the reason explained below:
One problem that reoccurs in practice is that, depending on the patient's daily shape and how and where the secretion is trapped in the airways, a single conventional respiratory therapy device alone can not produce the desired therapeutic effect. It may therefore happen that, during a therapeutic procedure, a plurality of conventional respiratory therapy devices, each with different properties, in particular different influences on the pressure progression, have to be used alternately in order to achieve the best possible therapeutic success or to mobilize the secretion as efficiently as possible. Of course, in order to make this possible, patients have to maintain a corresponding variety of respiratory therapy devices, which entails corresponding costs. Examples of such respiratory therapy devices are in the EP 0 337 990 B1 and the DE 44 16 575 A1 disclosed. In addition, the handling and adjustment of each device must be learned by the patient in order to ensure the desired therapeutic success. Finally, once used each respiratory therapy device must be cleaned for reasons of hygiene after the therapy measure. This means for the patients in particular with regard to respiratory therapy devices with adjustable constriction, in which the coming into contact with the breathing air parts of the adjustment must be a lot of work and especially for seriously ill, weakened patients a massive everyday burden. By means of the respiratory therapy device according to the invention, the characteristic pressure profiles of various conventional respiratory therapy devices can now be simulated, stored as control programs in a memory of the control device and, if required, retrieved using a display device and an input device of the control device. The patients thus need only a single respiratory therapy device during a therapy measure.

In this context, it should also be noted that it is also possible to deposit in the memory of the control device also "puff games" in which the patient controls the game by his breathing or controls. This is particularly beneficial for children and adolescents to motivate them to carry out regular respiratory therapy.

In addition to the non-periodically operating adjusting arrangement, a periodically operating adjusting arrangement can furthermore be provided. This periodically operating positioning arrangement can provide the oscillating pressure component, so that the non-periodically operating positioning arrangement needs to meet lower requirements with regard to the response speed. Advantageously, the periodic change of the passage cross-section of the constriction of the respiratory air channel caused by the periodically operating control arrangement can be adjustable in frequency and / or amplitude.

Finally, it can also be provided in a further development of the invention that the control device comprises a data transmission interface. By way of example, control programs for characteristic pressure profiles of conventional respiratory therapy devices or also patient or / and disease-specific optimized pressure profiles can be read into the memory of the control device via this data transmission interface. But with the help of this interface, several patients can play the aforementioned "puff games" with each other or against each other. Finally, it is also conceivable to use the data transfer interface in the storage unit Transfer recorded data about the course of therapy to a doctor. The interface can be used as a wired interface, z. B. as a USB interface, as an optical interface, z. B. as an infrared interface, or as a radio interface, z. B. as a Bluetooth interface executed.

It has to be added that the respiratory therapy device according to the invention is able to work independently of position. This makes it possible, for example, to use it also in stretching situations or other body positions which are advantageous for secretion mobilization.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings of some embodiments. It shows:

1 a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the respiratory therapy device according to the invention;

2 an exploded view of the breathing air duct assembly of the respiratory therapy device of 1 ;

3 a block diagram of the control device of the respiratory therapy device according to the invention;

4 a representation similar 1 a second embodiment of the respiratory therapy device according to the invention; and

5 a representation similar to the 1 and 4 a third embodiment of the respiratory therapy device according to the invention;

In 1 is an inventive respiratory therapy device in general with 10 designated. The breathing therapy device 10 includes a base unit 12 and a breathing air duct assembly 14 , which with the base unit 12 firm is connectable.

The breathing air duct arrangement 14 includes an insert 16 In the operation of the respiratory therapy device 10 into an assigned receiving recess 18 the base unit 12 used and connected to this operatively. On the patient facing side of the insert 16 is a mouthpiece 20 on the insert 16 deferred and connected with this frictional and airtight. On the side facing away from the patient is an elastic hose 22 on a connecting piece 16a of the insert part 16 deferred and with this under widening of the hose 22 frictionally connected and airtight. The breathing air channel 24 thus extends from a tapered section 20a of the mouthpiece 20 through the mouthpiece 20 , the insert part 16 and the hose 22 up to the in 1 free end 22a of the hose 22 ,

To mention is also a check valve 26 if desired in the respiratory air channel 24 may be arranged to specify the breathing direction. In the in 1 illustrated embodiment, the respiratory therapy device works 10 according to the PEP principle. The check valve 26 is therefore designed and arranged so that it opens during exhalation, while it closes when inhaled.

By means of a pressure sensor 28 in one of the breathing air duct 24 branching branch line 30 is arranged, the in the breathing air duct 24 ruling pressure to be detected, depending on the detected pressure, the passage cross-section of the hose 22 by means of an adjusting device 32 to influence such that the pressure in the breathing air duct 24 and thus also kept substantially constant in the lungs of the patient. On the structure and function of this actuator 32 will be discussed in more detail below. In practice, the value of the pressure in the breathing air duct should be 24 between about 2 and 35 hPa, preferably between about 4 and 25 hPa, above the prevailing in the environment U air pressure.

To contamination of the pressure sensor 28 It is advantageous if the branch line is to prevent germs possibly contained in the patient's breathing air 30 has a predetermined minimum length. Nevertheless, in the respiratory therapy device 10 To accommodate, includes the branch line 30 in the 1 illustrated embodiment, a plurality of sections: a first section 30a is caused by a radially extending break 34 the breathing air channel 24 enclosing wall 16b of the insert part 16 educated. Another section 30b is from an annular groove 36 formed, which in the outer peripheral surface of the wall 16b is arranged. And another section 30c the branch line 30 is in the base unit 12 of the respiratory therapy device 10 educated. In the illustrated embodiment, this is still another section 30c from a pipe or hose section 38 formed into a hole 12a the base unit 12 is used. At the end of the still further section 30c is the pressure sensor 28 arranged. By the fact that the pipe or hose section 38 in 1 from the base unit 12 protrudes and is shown interrupted, it should be indicated that the pressure sensor 28 at one of the base unit 12 remote location can be arranged. For example, it can be arranged on the same board on which the control device 46 is arranged.

As in 1 is shown, the opening opens 34 at a circumferential position in the annular groove 36 one which is diametrically opposite that position, at which the still further section 30c in the ring groove 36 opens. Included in this way the of the ring groove 36 formed further section 30b the branch line 30 two branches, located at the confluence of the opening 34 in the ring groove 36 separate from each other and at the confluence of the still further section 30c reunite with each other. To ensure that both branches extend over a circumferential angle of substantially 180 °, the insert part 16 and the base unit 12 formed with cooperating orientation aids. In the illustrated embodiment, a projection engages 12b the base unit 12 into a depression 16c (please refer 2 ) of the insert part 16 one.

It should be added that in the longitudinal direction L of the breathing air duct 24 in front and behind the ring groove 36 two sealing elements 40 are provided. These sealing elements 40 on the one hand have the task, the branch line 30 To seal against the external environment U. On the other serve the between the insert part 16 and the base unit 12 compressed sealing elements 40 for operationally fixed connection of insert 16 and base unit 12 ,

Nachzutragen is further that in the opening 34 a filter 42 may be arranged, whose task is in the respiratory air of the patient possibly contained germs and moisture from the branch line 30 and thus also from the pressure sensor 28 keep.

The detection signal of the pressure sensor 28 is via a signal line 44 a control device 46 , in particular its microprocessor 46a , supplied (see also 3 ). A possible one from the filter 42 caused pressure drop between the breathing air duct 24 and the branch line 30 , which is the detection result of the pressure sensor 28 can, for example, by calibration or comparison measurements with and without the filter 42 be balanced, the result in the form of a map in a memory 46b the control device 46 deposited and by the microprocessor 46a in the evaluation of the over the signal line 44 supplied detection signal is taken into account.

Taking into account the detection signal of the pressure sensor 28 determines the control device 46 , more precisely their microprocessor 46a , an actuating signal for the adjusting device 32 and transmits this via a signal line 48 to a servomotor 50 the adjusting device 32 ,

With an output shaft 50a of the servomotor 50 is a lever mechanism 52 connected to the one in this embodiment U-shaped lever 54 acts. The hose 22 is between the side legs of the U-shape of the control lever 54 arranged and is supported by the base leg of the U-shape against a contact surface 12c the base unit 12 of the respiratory therapy device 10 pressed. Will the output shaft 50a of the servomotor 50 in 1 Turned anticlockwise, so raises the lever mechanism 52 this in 1 right end of the control lever 54 on, so that the passage cross-section of a constriction 23 of the hose 22 is reduced. This has the consequence that the hose 22 the respiration of the patient opposes increased flow resistance, whereby the pressure in the airway and thus also in the lungs of the patient increases. Will the output shaft 50a of the servomotor 50 whereas in 1 Turned clockwise, so the lever mechanism lowers 52 this in 1 right end of the control lever 54 from, so that the passage cross-section of the constriction 23 of the hose 22 due to its inherent elasticity increased again. This has the consequence that the hose 22 the breathing of the patient opposes a lower flow resistance, whereby the pressure in the breathing air duct 24 and thus also sinks in the patient's lungs. In this way, the flow resistance of the breathing air duct 24 be influenced so that the pressure in the breathing air duct 24 and thus can also be maintained at a substantially constant level in the patient's lungs.

At the beginning of a therapy measure, the patient switches the respiratory therapy device 10 by means of an ON / OFF key of the input unit 46c the control device 46 and selects via the input unit 46c a pressure value by which the pressure in the breathing air duct 24 should be above the prevailing in the environment U air pressure. This pressure value is displayed on a display unit 46d the control device 46 brought to the display. Subsequently, the patient can begin with the therapy measure. From the course of her continuously monitored pressure values of the pressure sensor 28 can the control device 46 determine when the patient started, through the breathing air channel 24 exhale, and then begin pressure control. In principle, however, it is also conceivable to trigger the beginning of the pressure control by pressing a separate button.

During the therapy measure the patient can use the display unit 46d Hints are given to help him in the implementation of the therapy measure. For example, it can be displayed information about the respectively detected pressure value and / or about the uniformity of the respiratory air flow, from the degree and the frequency of the control actions by the adjusting device 32 can be derived.

From this type of display, "puff games" can be developed that the patient can play during the therapy procedure. Such "puffing games" can help to motivate children and adolescents for They perform important, but often perceived by them as annoying and "uncool" therapy measures. For example, points may be awarded in such a "puff game" for the duration and uniformity of the exhale.

The control device further comprises a data transmission interface 46e , but also several patients can play the "puff games" with each other or against each other.

In 4 a second embodiment of a respiratory therapy device according to the invention is shown, which in much of the embodiment of the 1 to 3 equivalent. In 4 Therefore, analog parts are provided with the same reference numerals as in the 1 to 3 , but increased by the number 100 , In addition, the respiratory therapy device 110 of the 4 in the following will be described only insofar as it is from the respiratory therapy device 10 of the 1 to 3 which is expressly referred to herewith.

In contrast to the respiratory therapy device 10 of the 1 to 3 includes the actuator of the respiratory therapy device 110 of the 4 not just a non-periodic actuator assembly 132 , but also a periodically operating actuator assembly 160 , In addition, the non-periodically operating actuator assembly 132 constructed differently than the non-periodically operating actuator assembly 32 the embodiment of the 1 to 3 ,

Also in the embodiment of the 4 includes the non-periodic actuator assembly 132 a servomotor 150 with a lever mechanism 152 that with another lever 154 interacts, its free end against the hose 122 suppressed. However, the other lever is 154 above the hose 122 arranged to below the hose 122 Space for the periodically operating actuator assembly 160 to accomplish.

The periodically operating positioning arrangement 160 includes a carrier carriage 162 that is a servomotor 164 wearing. At the output shaft 164a of the servomotor 164 is again a disk 164b arranged, with respect to the output shaft 164a eccentric a connecting lever 166 is articulated. The free end 166a of the connecting lever 166 is on the one hand in a slot 162a of the carrier carriage 162 and on the other hand in a slot 168a another lever 168 led, with a lead 168b from below against the hose 122 suppressed.

If you put the servomotor 164 in rotation, so pushes the projection 168b periodically against the hose 122 , The frequency with which he does this can be about the speed of the servomotor 164 be varied.

To include the amplitude of the periodic movement of the projection 168b to be able to vary, has a footbridge 162b of the carrier carriage 162 a gearing 162c on that with a gearing 170a another servomotor 170 combs. The further servomotor 170 is at the base unit 112 of the respiratory therapy device 110 assembled. Further, the jetty is 162b on a guide surface 112d led the base unit.

Turn the other servomotor 170 in 4 counterclockwise, so is the carrier carriage 162 in 4 moved to the left. As a result of the leadership of the free end 166a of the connecting lever 166 in the slot 162a of in 4 From left to right above rising carrier carriage 162 , will be the free end 168c the other lever 168 while in 4 pivoted upwards so that the projection 168b continue against the hose 122 is pressed. This allows the amplitude of the periodic movement of the projection 168b be varied.

Is the speed of the servomotor 164 during one revolution of the output shaft 164a varies around his the frequency of the oscillation determining nominal speed around, ie accelerated briefly and later braked again, so not only a sinusoidal oscillation course can be achieved, but any desired course of oscillation can be generated. In this way, any pressure profiles can be generated.

In 5 a third embodiment of a respiratory therapy device according to the invention is shown, which in much of the embodiment of the 1 to 3 or the embodiment of the 4 equivalent. In 5 Therefore, analog parts are provided with the same reference numerals as in the 1 to 3 , but increased by the number 200 , or compared with 4 increased by the number 100 , In addition, the respiratory therapy device 210 of the 5 in the following will be described only insofar as it is from the respiratory therapy device 10 of the 1 to 3 or from the respiratory therapy device 110 of the 4 which is expressly referred to herewith.

The breathing therapy device 210 of the 5 is different from the respiratory therapy device 110 of the 4 in that it is like the embodiment of the 1 to 3 only has a single actuator, namely the actuator 232 , In contrast to the adjusting device 32 the embodiment of the 1 to 3 but this does not include a rotating motor, but a linear actuator 250 , preferably a linear stepper motor, its linearly movable actuator 250b against the hose 222 presses. Preferably, the response speed of the linear actuator 250 chosen so high that with him not only the non-periodic movements of the embodiments of 1 to 4 but also the periodic movements of the embodiment of the 4 , In this case, both the frequency and the amplitude of the periodic movement by appropriate control of the linear actuator 250 be varied.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 0337990 B1 [0031]
• DE 4416575 A1 [0031]

Claims (10)

Respiratory Therapy Device ( 10 ) comprising: - a respiratory air channel ( 24 ) with a narrowing ( 23 ) with variable passage cross-section, - a pressure sensor ( 28 ), which is designed and arranged, the value of a in the breathing air channel ( 24 ) to detect the prevailing pressure, - an adjusting device ( 32 ), which is designed and arranged, the passage cross section of the constriction ( 23 ), - a control device ( 46 ) with a signal input for supplying the from the pressure sensor ( 28 ) and a signal output for outputting a control signal to the actuating device ( 32 ), wherein a portion of the breathing air channel ( 24 ) bounding wall of an elastic hose piece ( 22 ) is formed, and wherein the adjusting device ( 32 ) from the outside on the elastic hose piece ( 22 ) acts to change its passage area. Respiratory therapy device according to claim 1, characterized in that the breathing air channel ( 24 ) in a breathing air duct arrangement ( 14 ) is formed, which is formed separately from the rest of the respiratory therapy device, but with this operatively connected. Respiratory therapy device according to claim 2, characterized in that the respiratory air channel arrangement ( 14 ) an attachment ( 16 ), in which a portion of the breathing air channel ( 24 ) and that with a base unit ( 12 ) of the respiratory therapy device ( 10 ) is operationally connected. Respiratory therapy device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that of the respiratory air channel ( 24 ) a branch line ( 30 ), in which the pressure sensor ( 28 ) is arranged. Respiratory therapy device according to claim 4, characterized in that in an outer surface of the peripheral wall ( 16b ) of a section ( 16 ) of the breathing air channel ( 24 ) a circumferential groove ( 36 ) is formed, which via a radial passage ( 34 ) with the respiratory air channel ( 24 ) and a section ( 30b ) of the branch line ( 30 ). Respiratory therapy device according to one of claims 1 to 5, optionally according to one of claims 4 and 5, characterized in that in the respiratory air channel ( 24 ) and / or in the branch line ( 30 ) a filter ( 42 ) is provided. Respiratory therapy device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that in the respiratory air channel ( 24 ) a check valve ( 26 ) is provided. Respiratory therapy device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the adjusting device is a non-periodically operating actuating arrangement ( 32 ; 132 ; 232 ) and, if desired, in addition a periodically operating actuating arrangement ( 160 ). Respiratory therapy device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the control device ( 46 ) a data transmission interface ( 46e ). Respiratory therapy device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the control unit ( 46 ) is adapted to that of the pressure sensor ( 28 ), possibly averaged over the period of an oscillation period, the pressure value and / or the amplitude of the oscillation and / or to keep the frequency of the oscillation constant or to track a desired value.

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